X Blocks Jailed Turkish Mayor’s Account After Court Order

Social media platform X has been cooperating with Turkish government requests to block opposition accounts amid widespread protests following İmamoğlu’s arrest in March. | Erdem Sahin/EFE via EPA

| Published May 9, 2025

In a move that has drawn international scrutiny and intensified domestic unrest, Turkish authorities have blocked access to the X (formerly Twitter) account of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the jailed mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition figure. This action, executed under a court order citing national security and public order concerns, has been met with widespread criticism and is seen by many as a significant blow to freedom of expression in Turkey.

A Political Rival Silenced

Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has been a central figure in Turkish politics since his election as Istanbul’s mayor in 2019. His subsequent re-election in 2024 solidified his position as a formidable opponent to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. However, on March 19, 2025, İmamoğlu was arrested on corruption charges—a move his supporters and various international observers have labeled as politically motivated. His detention sparked the largest wave of protests in Turkey in a decade, with thousands taking to the streets to demand his release and decry what they perceive as an erosion of democratic principles.

The Role of Social Media

While incarcerated, İmamoğlu continued to communicate with his supporters through his X account, managed by his legal team. These messages served as a rallying point for the opposition and a means to maintain public engagement. However, the Turkish government’s decision to block access to his account within the country has effectively severed this line of communication. X complied with the court order to avoid broader punitive measures, such as platform throttling, but has stated that it is legally challenging the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting free expression and access to information.

International and Domestic Repercussions

The blocking of İmamoğlu’s X account has not only intensified domestic protests but has also drawn international condemnation. Critics argue that this action represents a broader pattern of the Turkish government’s efforts to suppress dissent and control the narrative ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Recent opinion polls indicate that İmamoğlu’s popularity has increased following his arrest, solidifying his position as Erdoğan’s main challenger.

Moreover, the government’s crackdown extends beyond İmamoğlu. On May Day, Turkish police detained nearly 400 people during demonstrations in Istanbul, deploying over 50,000 officers across the city. The heavy-handed response to these protests underscores the administration’s determination to stifle opposition voices and maintain control over public discourse.

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Pros and Cons of Blocking Ekrem İmamoğlu’s X Account

Pros:

1. Government Control: Allows the Turkish government to maintain control over public discourse, especially during politically sensitive periods.

2. National Security: Justified by the government as a measure to prevent potential threats to national security or public order.

3. Reduced Misinformation: Authorities can claim that blocking certain accounts prevents the spread of misinformation or incitement to violence.

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Cons:

1. Suppression of Free Speech: Silences a prominent opposition figure, undermining freedom of expression and democratic principles.

2. International Criticism: Draws negative reactions from the international community, damaging Turkey’s reputation.

3. Increased Domestic Unrest: Triggers protests and further polarizes the public, deepening the political divide.

4. Legal and Ethical Concerns: Raises questions about the legal basis for the action and the ethical implications of restricting political speech.

5. Erosion of Trust: Reduces public confidence in the government and democratic institutions.

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Conclusion

The Turkish government’s decision to block Ekrem İmamoğlu’s X account has sparked intense debate, highlighting the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression. While authorities justify the move as necessary for maintaining public order, critics view it as a clear attempt to suppress political dissent and silence a prominent opposition voice. As protests continue and international scrutiny grows, Turkey’s democratic image faces serious challenges. The resolution of this situation will not only impact İmamoğlu’s political future but also serve as a defining moment for the state of democracy in Turkey.

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SOURCES: BLOOMBERG – X Blocks Jailed Turkish Mayor’s Account After Court Order

POLITICO – Musk’s X blocks account of jailed Erdoğan rival

BBC – Turkey moves to silence jailed Erdogan rival by blocking account on X

ROYA NEWS – Turkey blocks jailed opposition leader Imamoglu’s X account

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